SOLARMETER ® 10.0 SOLAR IRRADIANCE
The Model 10.0 features an Integral Sensor and applications include solar irradiance measurements, solar panel (photovoltaic) system testing and estimation of PV array power.
Specifications | Radiometer |
Model | 10.0 |
Irradiance Range | 0-1999 W/m2 |
Peak Response | 940 nm |
Bandwidth | 400-1100 nm |
Resolution | 1 W/m2 |
Conversion Rate | 3.0 Readings/Sec |
Display | 3.5 Digit LCD |
Operating Temps | 0° C to 40° C |
Operating Humidity | 5% to 80% RH |
Accuracy | ±5% Ref WRR |
Dimensions (LxWxD) | 10.5 x 6 x 2.2 cm |
Weight | 110 Grams |
Power Source | 9-Volt DC Battery |
Sensor | Silicon Photodiode |
Diffuser | Virgin Teflon .005 |
To enquire on the the Model 10.0 please click on the link below or use the contact page.
When requesting a quote please provide quantity and suburb/state for postage/delivery details.
The Solarmeter® model 10.0 brings 'point and read' simplicity to the measurement of solar irradiance. Just turn the meter on, point the sensor at the sun and obtain a reading in W/m2.
Sensor/Detector
Silicon Photodiode packaged in hermetically sealed glass window cap.
Operation
Press and hold push-button switch on face of unit. Aim sensor window cap in top panel of meter directly at sun or perpendicular to panel array. Note reading on LCD and record value.
Battery operation voltage is 9V down to 6.5V. Below 6.5V the LCD numbers will begin to dim, indicating the need for battery replacement. Under "typical" service load, the battery should last about 2 years.
Proper Usage of Solarmeter ® Radiometer for PV Array readings
Meter Calibration
This instrument has been calibrated traceable to the World Radiometric Reference and is compliant with ANSI/NCSL Z540-1-1994. Model 10.0 Solarmeters are calibrated by transfer of "at sun" reading from master meter serial #00001. The master meter was calibrated to match standard class II pyranometer on a plane tilted 37° from horizontal, oriented perpendicular to the axis of the sun, under airmass 2 global solar irradiance at an independent test lab. A master meter calibration certificate is available on request.
Estimation of PV Array Power
Before beginning determine the following information from the manufacturer of the module array:
Also, record the temperature near the back of the array _ _ _ °C
Example Calculation with PV Meter reading 1000 W/m² perpendicular to 10 m² array at 10 m² active area, 14% cells efficiency, 95% converter efficiency, 40° C
Lastly, a small wiring & component loss of ~1% must be factored in.
Energy Production over Time
The above 1218 Watts value is an "instantaneous" number. Energy is Watt (or kiloWatt) hours. So if the solar irradiance remained constant for an hour near noon, the energy produced would be 1218 WH.To estimate power over the entire day... take readings every hour and apply the above examples. Then add up each hour's value x number of hours for daily Watt/Hours.Of course the value will increase toward summer, peaking near December 21 in the southern hemisphere... and decrease toward winter, lowest near the June 21 solstice. Northern hemisphere is opposite.